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whereforarthur · 4 months ago

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It's Been Way Too Long

Request: id love a george smut, perhaps one of us have been rlly busy like all summer and barely had any time to see each other so when it gets to september time (ish) we havent realised how much we miss each other

Pairing: George Clarke x Reader

Category: Smut

Word Count: 2.2k

*****

“I think I'd miss you even if we never met.” — The Wedding Date

The London skies were a canvas of soft grays and muted blues, hinting at the promise of rain. The bustling streets below were a blur of umbrellas and rushing footsteps. Amidst the thrum of the city, a solitary figure sat on a bench in a small, overlooked park, a patch of green nestled between concrete giants. George Clarke, known to the internet as "The Clarke Cut", was a man of sharp contrasts. His online persona was vibrant, full of life and humor, but in this quiet moment, he was lost in thought, his eyes reflecting the weight of the world.

For months, George had thrown himself into his work, leaving little room for anything else. His YouTube channel had grown exponentially, the demands of content creation an ever-hungry beast that consumed his days and nights. The price of success had been steep, and he felt the cost keenly as he stared at the empty space next to him, where you, or y/n as he liked to call you, should have been. The vividness of your laughter and the warmth of your smile had been replaced by the cold metal of the bench, and the echoes of the city's cacophony.

The first leaves of autumn began to dance around him, a sad ballet of nature's end and rebirth. The chill in the air seemed to mirror the chill in his heart, a stark reminder of the seasons passing and the time lost. You had been his anchor, a steady presence that kept him grounded amidst the chaos. Without you, the city felt like an alien landscape, one he was navigating for the first time without a map.

George pulled out his phone, thumb hovering over your name in his contacts. The urge to hear your voice washed over him like a wave, but fear held him back. Would you be upset? Would you even have time to talk? With a sigh, he sent a text, keeping it light, hoping it didn't betray the tumult in his soul. "Missing you," it read, with a simple heart emoji. It was all he could manage.

Minutes ticked by, the silence stretching into a symphony of unspoken words. His phone buzzed, pulling him from his thoughts. It was you. "Miss you too, George," it said, followed by a smiling face with a tear. His heart clenched at the sight. You had felt it too, the distance that had grown between them like an invisible wall.

The rain finally made its appearance, lightly kissing the leaves before turning into a steady rhythm against the pavement. George didn't bother moving, the cool drops a soothing balm on his heated skin. The scent of wet earth and the faint smell of rain-soaked flowers filled the air, a familiar comfort that only heightened his longing for your presence.

As the drops grew heavier, his thoughts grew clearer. He knew what he had to do. Success meant nothing if he couldn't share it with the one who truly mattered. The realization struck him like a bolt of lightning, illuminating the path ahead. He had to make time for you, to prioritize what truly made him happy. The rain grew into a crescendo, each drop a beat in the rhythm of his newfound resolve.

Standing up, George tucked his phone away and took a deep breath, the rain soaking his clothes and hair. He'd rearrange his schedule, make the calls, and do whatever it took to bridge the gap that had formed. With a renewed sense of purpose, he stepped into the storm, the cold water mixing with the warmth of his determination. The city around him blurred as he set off in the direction of your flat, eager to feel the warmth of your embrace and to apologize for his neglect. The rain washed away the dust of the summer, leaving behind the promise of a fresh start, a chance to rekindle the flame that had been smoldering between them.

By the time he arrived, the rain had become a downpour, turning the streets into rivers and the air into a thick mist. He took the stairs two at a time, his heart racing in anticipation. The door to your flat stood before him, a symbol of the comfort and love that waited within. He took a moment to compose himself, wiping the rain from his face before knocking softly, his breath hitching in his chest.

When the door opened, the sight of you took his breath away. You looked tired, your eyes a bit sad, but the moment they met his, a spark ignited, lighting up the room. The silence stretched between them, filled with the unspoken words of regret and longing. Without a word, George stepped inside, closing the door behind him, the sound echoing through the small space like a declaration of intent.

You stood before him, rain-soaked and beautiful, your hair clinging to your face like a veil. The air was charged with tension, the kind that comes from months of missed moments and unspoken truths. He reached out, his hand brushing against your cheek, the touch sending a jolt through both of you. Your eyes searched his, looking for reassurance, for a sign that he truly meant it. And in that moment, George knew that he had made the right choice. He leaned in, capturing your lips in a kiss that was both desperate and gentle, a silent promise to never let you go again.

The kiss grew in intensity, a conflagration of passion that had been smoldering for too long. Your arms wrapped around him, pulling him closer, as if trying to erase the space that had grown between you. The world outside the flat disappeared, leaving only the two of you, entwined in a dance of love and apology. The rain outside was now a mere backdrop to the symphony of your hearts beating in unison, a testament to the fact that no matter how busy life got, you two were destined to find your way back to each other.

Breaking the kiss, George whispered, "I'm sorry. I've been so caught up in work, I forgot what's truly important."

You looked up at him, your eyes glistening with unshed tears. "It's okay," you murmured, your voice a soft melody that soothed his soul. "I understand. But I missed you. So much."

He cupped your face in his hands, thumbs brushing away the stray teardrops. "I missed you too. And I promise, from now on, I'll make more time for us."

You nodded, a small smile playing on your lips. "I'd like that."

With the storm outside mirroring the tumult in their hearts, George took your hand and led you to the couch. You sat down together, the fabric warm and welcoming against your cold, wet clothes. He wrapped an arm around you, pulling you into his side, and you rested your head on his shoulder, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath your cheek.

The sound of the rain grew softer as you talked, sharing stories of the summer's escapades and the moments you'd wished you could have shared. Each word was a thread weaving the fabric of your relationship back together, stronger than before. The warmth of the room began to seep into your bones, chasing away the chill of the rain and the months of separation.

As the conversation lulled, George reached over to the coffee table, picking up a notebook and a pen. He flipped through the pages, his eyes scanning the words and doodles that chronicled your life together. "Look," he said, pointing to a page filled with sketches of the two of you in various stages of laughter and love. "I want to fill this book with more memories. Starting now."

A blush crept up your cheeks as you took the notebook from him. The promise in his eyes was more than you could have hoped for. With a shaky hand, you wrote, "September 15th - The day George realized what truly matters."

Underneath, he scribbled, "And the day I came home to you."

*****

The moment was filled with the quiet understanding that sometimes life gets in the way, but true love always finds a path back. The rain outside had slowed to a gentle patter, as if it too knew that the storm had passed and that now was the time for growth and renewal.

George's hand slid down from your cheek to your neck, his touch sending shivers down your spine. He kissed you again, this time with a hunger that had been building for months. Your bodies pressed closer, the warmth of your skin a stark contrast to the cold fabric that separated you. The rain had made the air thick with desire, and you could feel the heat radiating from George's body, his need for you palpable.

Your hands found their way under his shirt, feeling the dampness of his skin and the tautness of his muscles. The sensation sent waves of electricity through you, and you realized just how much you'd missed the simple act of touching him, of feeling his heart race in response to your touch. His hands roamed your body, exploring the curves and valleys that he knew so well, yet somehow felt new and exciting. The rain outside had become a soft, rhythmic backdrop to your reunion, a natural metronome setting the pace of your passion.

As you kissed, you both began to peel away the layers of clothing that had kept you apart, revealing the warmth and desire that had been trapped beneath. Your skin met with a sigh of relief, like two long-lost friends finally reunited. The couch cushions grew soggy with rainwater, but you didn't care. All that mattered was the connection that surged between you, a current more powerful than any storm.

The smell of damp fabric and the gentle scent of your perfume mixed with the musk of passion as you became lost in each other. The storm outside had brought you back together, and now, you were determined to make the most of every moment. The sound of the rain grew fainter as you became more attuned to the sound of your breaths mingling, the beat of your hearts syncing up as one.

George lifted you effortlessly, carrying you to the bedroom, his eyes never leaving yours. The floorboards creaked underfoot, a gentle reminder of the history you shared in this space. You knew every inch of this room, every crevice and corner, but it had never felt more intimate than it did in that moment.

Laying you down on the bed, he hovered over you, his gaze intense and filled with love. The soft light from the streetlamp painted shadows on the wall, playing across your bodies as you moved together in a dance of passion. The thunder outside rumbled in the distance, punctuating the silent promises made between kisses and caresses.

Your bodies intertwined, the coldness of the rain forgotten in the warmth of your love. The room was filled with the sound of the rain, the sighs of pleasure, and the whispers of sweet nothings that meant everything. The storm outside mirrored the intensity of your reunion, each flash of lightning illuminating the passion in your eyes, as if the very sky was celebrating your reconciliation.

The rain grew softer, the thunder a gentle reminder of the tempest you had weathered. As your bodies found their rhythm, the storm outside seemed to mimic your own, building to a crescendo before subsiding into a gentle lull. You lay there, tangled in the warmth of each other's arms, the city of London a silent witness to your love.

In the aftermath of your passion, you both lay still, listening to the fading patter of rain and the steady thrum of each other's hearts. The world outside had continued to turn, but for a brief moment, it had stopped for you both. You knew that from now on, no matter how busy life got, you would always find time for each other, because you had just survived the storm, and the calm that followed was more beautiful than any summer's day.

You leaned up to kiss him softly, tasting the salt of the rain and the sweetness of your shared love. "Thank you," you whispered, your voice a mere breath against his skin.

George smiled, brushing a stray strand of hair from your face. "For what?"

"For reminding me what's important," you said, your eyes searching his. "For coming back to me."

He kissed you again, his arms tightening around you. "Always," he murmured, his voice a solemn vow. "I'll always come back to you."

The room was a cocoon of warmth and love, the storm outside a gentle lullaby, as you both drifted off to sleep, the sound of the rain a soothing serenade. Hours passed, the city's heartbeat growing quieter as the night deepened. When you awoke, the rain had stopped, leaving a freshness in the air that seemed to cleanse the very essence of the world. The scent of wet earth and the faint sound of distant cars washed over you, bringing with it a sense of peace.

******

@gvf23

@xxkatxgracexx

#british youtubers #imagines #george clarkey #smut #george clarke fics #george clarkey x reader

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partly-cloudyskies · 5 months ago

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Red Birthright

Witch From Mercury/Star Wars AU

Chapter 6

Loret Noor’s capital city had one of its spaceports set in an outlying enclave. That was where she had been instructed to put down. The spaceport squatted like a bulky, high-walled fortress honeycombed with landing pads that saw starliners and haulers come and go. It anchored one end of a wide boulevard and on the other end was a gaudy mansion—no, palace, more like. Lining the boulevard between was what had appeared to be storefronts but—upon their unscheduled acquisition of previously spoken for goods through the use of emphatic coercion—turned out be concealed auto-turrets. The entire ‘town’ was an artfully concealed fortress for an extremely wealthy, extremely paranoid, and now extremely angry Hutt. “Raddu,” Agrum had said, half an hour ago before everything went to hell. “A respectable Hutt, not like the violent warlords you get out on the Outer Rim. By which I mean, he’ll introduce himself before having one of his henchmen slit your throat.” And yes, Raddu was indeed announcing himself. Via a four-story tall holoprojection of himself, beamed out of his palace. He thrashed and flailed in all his slug-like glory, a glass of some dark liquid sloshing in the grip of one hand as he raged in Huttese. Miorine had to confess her grasp on the language was rusty, but she heard the name ‘Shaddiq’ followed by a string of profanity that she definitely recognized. In that moment, she felt a kinship with Raddu. It was a shame his bodyguards were trying to kill her. “Why isn’t the cargo moving?” Miorine shouted over the firefight. The three skiffs that occupied the middle of the road were laden with their ill-gotten goods. They had glided serenely on hover skis a good way down the main thoroughfare until coming to a puttering stop roughly halfway between the palace and the spaceport. “I am unsure!” Agrum said. “Doc is responsible for remoting the skiffs and I have lost contact with her!” Doc? Miorine furrowed her brow. Who was— She heard an impact of blaster bolt against metal and caught a shower of sparks in her periphery. Above her. Second level of the storefront. Something fell, feet away from where she crouched. Limp limbs tangling together in a heap on the paved street. They landed with the sound of metal scraping on concrete. “Doc!” Agrum called out. Doc, it turned out, was a slicer droid, slight and stealthy. Not, it appeared, sufficiently so. Agrum shifted his aim, pointing above Miorine, and fired. A Raddu henchman fell atop Doc then rolled away with a smoking hole in his armor. “This sucks,” Miorine said under her breath.

#g witch #sulemio #back after weeks of no activity because i was sick as hell #feeling much better now #and posting fic on a thursday night because what is optimal posting hours lol

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loki-cees-all · 1 year ago

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Ch. 2 - Against Each Other {Against All Odds - TVA!Loki x Female Reader Longfic}

Previous Chapter / AO3 Link / Against All Odds Masterlist / Next Chapter

Pairing : TVA!Loki x Female Reader

Summary : Loki accidentally catches a glimpse of your terrible future while trying to stop General Dox from pruning the branched timelines.

W/c : 3.7k words

Content Warnings : Angst, club atmosphere, sensual dancing, etc. And the song at the end is “Love Hangover” by Diana Ross - I highly recommend it!

18+ Only - Minors DNI

⊱ ── ༓ ── ⋅•⋅⊰ ── ⋅ ∙ ∘ ☽ ༓ ☾ ∘ ∙ ⋅ ── ⊱⋅•⋅ ── ༓ ── ⊰

Date : November 8th, 1983 [Branched Timeline]

Loki had returned to the TVA with a renewed sense of confidence; a sort of pep in his step that he hadn’t felt in ages. His blood pumped effortlessly through his veins, and his muscles contracted and relaxed with ease as he pushed himself through the corridors, eager to pick up Brad’s interrogation where they’d left off.

And even though the second interrogation had gone much more smoothly than the first one, despite the fact that he easily broke Brad down and got him to reveal General Dox’s master plan to bomb the extra timelines that were branching out of control, Loki didn’t feel like a winner. He didn’t feel like he’d succeeded at anything; in fact, he felt like he’d made everything worse.

Because something had caught his eye as Loki and Mobius were approaching the naust General Dox and her crew were hiding in, something he probably wasn’t meant to see. Something he desperately wished he hadn’t ever known about, but had probably caused.

On the corner, across the street from the naust and tucked inside a small vending machine, were a stack of newspapers with a headline that made Loki’s thud painfully against his ribs before it dropped into his stomach. The headline was about you: “Former Bright and Upcoming Starlet Finally Checks Herself Into Rehab, Admits Her Life is in Complete Disarray”.

Loki’s breath shuddered and his hands trembled as they reached towards the machine, fumbling with the latch as he tried to pull it open. His eyes filled with tears, blurring his vision as panic overpowered logic and any sense of urgency he’d had before. What happened to you? Was this his fault?

The last time he’d seen you, just earlier that day for him but six years prior for you, everything had been going your way with your career. You’d talked happily about the upcoming projects you were excited to work on, of your friends and your life in general as Loki walked you home afterwards. And while you’d looked upset when he’d declined your invitation to come inside for a nightcap, that couldn’t have been enough to ruin your entire life.

Loki yanked on the handle again, desperate to get that paper and read more, to reassure himself that this wasn’t his fault, that he hadn’t been the cause of someone else’s demise again. That he hadn’t ruined someone so beautiful and intoxicating just to quell his own insecurities.

The machine shifted loudly, straining against the anchor bolts embedded in the concrete sidewalk as Loki pulled harder, but still the little glass door did not open. Loki caught glimpses of the other words in the article as he struggled; words like “addiction”, and “Brad Wolfe” and “disappearance”, and “shame”. Words that shouldn’t have ever been associated with you.

Loki let out a groan of frustration, cursing the damned Midgardian contraption out loud as he gripped the handle with both hands and pulled as hard as he could. You didn’t deserve whatever happened to you within the previous six years; no one ever deserved whatever happened if it was because of him.

Loki’s struggle with the machine caught Mobius’ attention, and he whipped around in bewilderment as he took in the sight. “Loki! What the hell are you doing?!” he hissed, storming back over as Loki made his final pull, freeing the newspaper box completely from the sidewalk.

He stood there, dumbfounded and chest heaving, holding the device aloft and free from the ground. As pedestrians passed by, they didn’t even try to hide their concerned and nosey stares, but Loki paid them no mind. The box was still locked, and his mind was still reeling with panic and frustration.

“It’s alright, folks! Just a bit of a street performance! Nothing to be concerned about!” Mobius laughed, smiling cheerfully as he waved the strangers on. After they were gone, he turned back to Loki with his hands on his hips. “Not that we have time to stand around reading the paper, but you do know those can be opened with money, right?”

Loki steeled his jaw and swallowed hard as he blinked his way back to reality. He looked up and met Mobius’ confused gaze, unsure of what to say or how to explain himself. “Forget it. Let’s go,” he grumbled, dropping the contraption and storming off towards the naust.

Mobius’ brow furrowed, and he stayed behind for just a moment longer, staring at the cracked glass of the still locked door. The machine lay on its side, pulled apart and broken on the sidewalk, but the newspapers were still trapped inside. “I guess the Aftenposten is really concerned about stealing…” he mumbled to himself before turning to follow after Loki.

Loki said nothing as Mobius caught up to him, and he ignored his friend’s pleas to wait as he took the steps two at a time to the top floor of the building. He barely registered Mobius calling B-15 on his TemPad to request backup. He disregarded Mobius’ call to hang back and watch for a few minutes, instead choosing to burst suddenly into the room as Time Doors flickered in and out of existence.

He sent a huge wave of emerald seidr across the room in a stunning display of power. Hunters, Minute Men, and equipment all went flying with reckless abandon, crashing into each other and the decayed, wooden beams and half-finished boats. Mobius and Loki stood still and silent at the edge of the room, watching as Dox and her detractors groaned in pain and flailed on the floor.

Loki’s expression was one of cold detachment; after failing so many times in so many ways, he couldn’t let these dissenters get away with murdering and destroying any more innocent timelines than they already had. Mobius’ expression was more reserved, concerned, restrained as he looked his friend up and down and then back to the chaos unfurled before them.

“B-15, we managed to stop them…” Mobius spoke calmly into the TemPad, trying to sound casual. “Could you get a team out here to help us bring everyone back to the TVA?”

“What? Already?” B-15 sounded completely flabbergasted. The entire ordeal hadn’t even lasted a full minute before Loki had finished it. “Uh, yeah. A team is on their way…”

Loki was sick to death, tired and exhausted of hesitating, of second-guessing, and of ruining other people’s lives. His thoughts returned to your beautiful face, the way your lips felt against his and your heavy breath against your neck, and the threat of shame and addiction that was apparently waiting for you.

“B-15. How many branches did they manage to destroy?” Loki asked quietly, his eyes roaming over the destroyed TVA equipment. He knew you were safe on the Sacred Timeline - in this timeline, somewhere out there struggling after he’d possibly turned your entire life upside down.

“I’m not sure. It’s too soon to tell. 30, maybe 40?”

He sighed heavily, shoving his hands in his pockets and closing his eyes. It was his fault they hadn’t been able to get there sooner, that they weren’t able to stop this before it began. All those erased lives were on him, as was your now broken one.

As he shook his head and turned to walk away, Mobius grabbed his arm. “Hey, what’s gotten into you? Where are you going?”

Loki briefly glanced over at him before shaking away his grasp. “I need to go check on someone.”

What he really meant was that he needed to go back and make sure he didn’t end up destroying your life after all.

⊱ ── ༓ ── ⋅•⋅⊰ ── ⋅ ∙ ∘ ☽ ༓ ☾ ∘ ∙ ⋅ ── ⊱⋅•⋅ ── ༓ ── ⊰

Date : June 25th, 1977 [Sacred Timeline]

Things have a funny way of working themselves out on the dance floor.

Bodies moving together like the ocean surging and retreating against the beach, the beat of the music thrumming in your veins like the rolling tide. Instead of salt and salt kissing your skin, it was sweat and liquor filling your senses, and instead of drowning in the waves, you were simply coming back to life here.

Shielded by the darkness and flashes of light, you were free to do and move as you pleased. There was no judgment, and there were no thoughts; just a large group of people - both strangers and friends - doing the same thing at the same time, to the same rhythm but for different reasons. It was healing. Soothing. Out there on the dance floor, you could barely remember what you were trying to forget about.

It had been a week since your dalliance with the mysterious man named Loki. You weren’t sure what had changed, but he was different afterwards, like a switch had flipped deep inside. He was confusing and charming and mysterious, and he had managed to short-circuit and re-wire all the connections in your brain, all within the span of an hour or two. It wasn’t fair.

After taking you in that alleyway and giving you several blessings of release, he walked you back home but refused your offer to stay the night. He slipped his arm around your waist as you walked, but didn’t answer your questions about who he was or where he lived. He kissed your forehead while saying goodnight, but couldn’t give you any way of getting in contact with him again.

It hurt, but you were trying not to think about it; after all, you had wished for him to ruin you, even if it wasn’t out loud, and he hadn’t heard it.

When the next Saturday rolled around, your friends had insisted on taking you out to The Roxy for your belated birthday celebration. They didn’t have all the details about your escapades that night, even less than the few you had yourself, but they knew there was a man involved. You let them think it was just about Brad ditching you, and couldn’t let yourself think about the fact that he still hadn’t reappeared.

Luckily for you, the dance floor made forgetting easier. Swirls of cigarette smoke wafted through the room as the music overpowered any lingering thoughts, and your black, lacy and see-through catsuit made sure there was always someone trying to get your attention whenever you stopped to get a drink or catch your breath.

It was fun to flirt with them for awhile, and you’d probably even let one of them take you home eventually, but you already knew it wouldn’t be the same. They simply couldn’t compare to Loki, and your friends were baffled by your complete lack of interest.

“Oh, come on! Look at that guy - he clearly knows what he’s doing in bed,” your friend pointed her cigarette at a blonde man across the room. The wait for the bathroom was long, and Jackie took the opportunity to point out any and all potential companions for the rest of the night.

“Yeah, maybe he is,” you sighed in response. The man was handsome, and he was eyeing you up and down; if you had no other options, he could temporarily fill the void in your life. You knew Jackie was only trying to help, but you couldn’t confess that no one would ever compare to the way Loki made you feel the week before.

Looking back to the line for the ladies room, you sighed again impatiently. The line wasn’t moving fast enough, and you really needed to get back on the dance floor.

“Seriously, what’s gotten into you?” Jackie reached out for your arm to drag you back to reality, and her expression was one of concern. “Are you really this upset about Brad?”

“No! I’m fine, stop worrying about me!” you lied, forcing a laugh and shaking your head.

“Good, because he’s a jerk. You deserve better!”

That you couldn’t argue with; but you’d had better, and you let him slip through your fingers. Jackie continued studying you, her brow furrowed in concentration as the line started to slowly inch forward. “So what is it then? What’s got you so down?”

You swallowed heavily and fidgeted with the lace covering your skin. “It’s nothing, I’m fine.”

“No, I know that look. That’s the look only boy troubles can cause,” Jackie scoffed and shook her head. “So if it isn’t Brad, then who is making you feel like this?”

“He’s no one!” you blurted out, and Jackie’s eyes lit up in vindication.

“I knew it!”

“No, you don’t! You don’t know anything!” you laughed nervously, praying that Jackie didn’t notice the blush creeping up your cheeks.

Jackie tsked and slipped her arm around your waist to pull you into a side-hug. “We’re best friends, remember? You can’t keep anything from me,” she teased playfully. “So, what’s this guy’s name?”

You bit back a smile and groaned as you ran your hands up and down your face. She was right, you couldn’t keep anything from her, but truthfully you didn’t know much about him. “Alright, alright! His name is Loki. We met the night of the Zaniac premiere…”

Jackie giggled with excitement and looped her arm through yours as she pulled you along with the line. “So that’s why you got home so late that night. And that’s why you were so disheveled…”

“Shut up!”

“And giddy, and satisfied, and…” Jackie continued teasingly as you playfully elbowed her in the ribs. The line continued moving forward, and you were both next for the bathroom; hopefully the conversation would pivot to something else once you got inside.

“Look, I don’t know what this guy’s deal is - if he disappeared, or if he lied, or whatever it is - but we can fix this, okay?” Jackie turned around and started scanning the crowd as she spoke. “So, tell me what he looked like, and we’ll find someone who looks similar, and then you can have some fun with this new guy, yeah?”

“Jesus, Jackie. You really have the worst - Ow! What the hell?!” you grimaced as Jackie’s nails suddenly dug painfully into your arm.

“Oh, my God. He is gorgeous…” Jackie gasped breathlessly as she looked across the crowded nightclub, and you quickly turned to follow her gaze. “Over there, that man talking to Diane…”

You could see Diane clearly, and she was clearly fawning over someone else you couldn’t quite make out behind the smoke and other partygoers.

“God, he’s tall. Oh, I’d love to just climb him like a tree and never come back down…” Jackie breathed as she stood up on her tiptoes to get a better look.

You hated that your heart skipped a beat. It couldn’t be him, but that was the same reaction you’d had when you first saw him - and you needed to be sure.

Jackie continued talking as you pulled away and cautiously stepped towards Diane and her mystery man. Your muscles turned to jelly as you weaved between oblivious dancers; the flashing lights of the club blurred your vision, and the blood rushing in your ears easily drowned out the music.

This was such an insane reaction, and you were going to feel so goddamn stupid if it wasn’t him…

Finally, the sea of people parted in just the right way, and time seemed to stop in its tracks. Your skin prickled as he came into view - standing ethereal by the bar again, wearing another black suit and his curls styled perfectly, tapping his fingers on the bar impatiently as he scanned the room, not even pretending to listen as Diane spoke into his ear.

Your heart launched itself into your throat, and your legs cruelly refused to cooperate. You stood still in the middle of the dance floor, unable to move even as people bumped past. But you couldn’t be bothered to care, because as Loki’s head turned towards you, the scowl melted off his face, and he said nothing as he started to walk away from Diane.

Part of you wanted to slap him. Part of you wanted to ignore him. But the smile on his face - so genuine, and so relieved to see you - made a substantial mockery of any plans you could ever come up with. All you could do was stand there, wide-eyed and thunderstruck by this beautiful man, someone you never thought you’d see again. But here he was, and part of you wondered if you’d died and gone to Heaven.

Loki stopped in front of you, hands in his pockets as his green eyes studied your form. “Hello there. I was hoping I’d bump into you again someday…” he shouted over the music, his grin playful and alluring.

Oh, the nerve of him. That snapped you back to reality, and you crossed your arms as you stared back at him. “You could have just given me your phone number, and then you wouldn’t have had to hope you’d run into me someday…”

He chuckled as he shrugged his shoulders, and it was infuriatingly charming. “That’s true, I could have. But it’s much more fun this way, isn’t it?”

You pursed your lips to keep from smiling, and shook your head as you looked away. Loki must have taken that as a good sign, and he took another step closer. “Care to have another drink with me?”

You knew you shouldn’t, but God how you wanted to. He arched his eyebrow again as he waited for your response, and you chewed on your bottom lip as you weighed your options. As delicious as he was, you didn’t know if you could handle him disappearing after another magical evening together…

“No, I don’t think I should. My friends are waiting for me…” you answered quietly, taking a step backwards and silently cursing yourself. Maybe you just wanted to play hard to get, to see if he’d go after you. To know that you’d been on his mind over the past week just as much as he’d been on yours.

Loki’s face fell, and he reached out to gently touch your arm. “Wait, please…just one drink. It can be a normal drink - no innuendos this time…”

Your resolve cracked just the tiniest little bit as his fingers trailed down your arm and brushed against your hand. His touch was magical, and you desperately wanted to experience more of it. But it was a terrifying prospect; what if he disappeared again? What if you couldn’t keep him interested for very long?

A group of dancers bumped into you, startling you from your thoughts and pushing you against his chest. Loki moved quickly to supplement your balance, one hand splayed wide on your shoulder and the other on your waist. The music shifted as your eyes met, his gaze smoldering deep into your soul as the opening strings lingered, crescendoing into a woman’s lustful sigh over the speakers.

The beat picked up, still slow but powerful and precise, and your breath hitched in your throat as you looked up at him. “I don’t need another drink…” you murmured softly as you pressed yourself all the way against him. Loki’s eyes widened, but he didn’t stop you as your hips began to swish back and forth.

If there’s a cure for this, I don’t want it. I don’t want it…

Without another word, and as if he knew what you needed, he began to sway with you. His eyes blazed with the deepest blues of the hottest fire, perfectly meeting every sensual roll of your hips. He pressed his forehead against yours and you closed your eyes, feeling the beat echo throughout your bones as your bodies moved together.

If there’s a remedy, I’ll run from it…from it…

The rest of the club, the world and the universe disappeared as Loki danced with you. Time no longer existed, and just like you’d predicted, the man knew what he was doing everywhere. Your lips parted as you made love on the dance floor, his coordination and anticipation giving you everything you needed and more.

I’ve got the sweetest hangover…

He brought his hands up to cup your chin, his thumbs brushing over your cheekbones as you breathed in his exhales. You could feel the warmth of his lips hovering over yours, and you didn’t care what happened to you anymore. As long as he was there with you, either performing curses or healing your soul every time you saw him.

“Can we get out of here now?” you murmured breathlessly, desire pulsing wildly through your veins and seeping between your legs.

Loki answered by crushing his lips against yours, and he tasted just as divine as he had the week before. You eagerly kissed him back as your hips kept rocking together, and as far as you knew, the entire club had stopped dancing and gathered round to watch this sensual display.

But you didn’t care. You just wanted him.

I don’t need no cure…I don’t need no cure…

Sweet lovin’…sweet, sweet, sweet, sweet love…

Love to love you, sweet…

⊱ ── ༓ ── ⋅•⋅⊰ ── ⋅ ∙ ∘ ☽ ༓ ☾ ∘ ∙ ⋅ ── ⊱⋅•⋅ ── ༓ ── ⊰

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fixdex-fastening-technology · 7 months ago

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👉FIXDEX M8 concrete screw 💗large quantity with best price

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lyncotek · 4 months ago

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The Importance of Car Wheel Stoppers: How They Prevent Accidents and Damage

Car Wheel Stoppers, often unnoticed inside the grand scheme of car protection, play a essential position in preventing injuries and damage in parking lots. Understanding their significance can not most effective enhance safety however also prevent from capacity liabilities and prices down the street.

Understanding Car Wheel Stoppers

What are car wheel stoppers?

Car wheel stoppers, also known as parking blocks or wheel chocks, are physical barriers placed on the stop of parking areas to save you cars from rolling too a ways forward. They normally include durable substances like rubber or concrete and are designed to face up to the load and impact of cars.

Different types of wheel stoppers

Wheel stoppers come in numerous shapes, sizes, and substances, catering to different automobile parking space configurations and necessities. Common sorts include rubber wheel stoppers, concrete wheel stops, and plastic parking blocks.

The Importance of Car Wheel Stoppers

Car wheel stoppers serve several important functions, all of which contribute to maintaining a secure and organized parking surroundings.

Preventing accidents in parking lots

One of the primary features of Car wheel stoppers is to save you motors from by accident rolling ahead and colliding with different motors, pedestrians, or structures. In busy parking plenty wherein motors are continuously maneuvering, those simple obstacles act as a important line of defense in opposition to capability injuries.

Protecting pedestrians and property

By supplying a visible and physical boundary for cars, wheel stoppers help guard pedestrians and close by property from being struck or damaged. Whether it is a shopping mall, office complex, or residential region, the presence of wheel stoppers reinforces safety measures and reduces the danger of harm or property harm.

Avoiding damage to vehicles

In addition to safeguarding external elements, car wheel stoppers additionally save your drivers from inadvertently hitting walls, curbs, or different limitations whilst parking. By signaling the quit of a parking area, they manual drivers to stop at a safe distance, minimizing the possibilities of vehicle harm and luxurious repairs.

How Car Wheel Stoppers Work

Car wheel stoppers operate on a easy but powerful precept: they devise a physical barrier that stops automobiles from rolling beyond a designated point. Typically mounted at the head of a parking area, these boundaries serve as a visible cue for drivers to stop and park thoroughly.

Mechanism behind wheel stoppers

Most Car wheel stoppers feature a sloped layout that permits automobiles to approach and make touch regularly. This gradual incline enables to reduce the impact force and gives a mild forestall with out inflicting harm to tires or car undercarriages.

Installation and usage

Installing Car wheel stoppers is a sincere procedure that involves anchoring them securely to the floor using bolts or adhesives. Once in location, they require no extra renovation and may withstand repeated use and publicity to the factors.

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Benefits of Using Car Wheel Stoppers

The use of car wheel stoppers offers a range of benefits beyond the obvious safety advantages.

Safety enhancement

By creating a clear separation between parked motors and pedestrian walkways, Car wheel stoppers lessen the threat of injuries and injuries in parking lots. Their visibility also facilitates improve site visitors float and steerage, specially in crowded or poorly lit areas.

Cost-effectiveness

Considering the capability charges related to vehicle damage, harm claims, and prison liabilities, making an investment in Car wheel stoppers is a value-effective answer for belongings owners and managers. The highly low upfront price of installation pales in comparison to the fees incurred by accidents and assets damage.

Legal compliance

In many jurisdictions, the set up of car wheel stoppers is mandated through constructing codes and protection guidelines. Failing to comply with those requirements can result in fines, penalties, or even criminal motion inside the event of an twist of fate or injury on your property.

Case Studies and Examples

Numerous actual-existence examples underscore the significance of vehicle wheel stoppers in stopping injuries and damage. From minor fender benders to catastrophic collisions, the absence of proper wheel stoppers has been implicated in several incidents that might have been without difficulty avoided.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Car Wheel Stoppers

When selecting car wheel stoppers for your parking facility, several factors should be taken into account to ensure optimal performance and durability.

Material and durability

Choose Car wheel stoppers crafted from extremely good substances like rubber or concrete that could resist the load and impact of vehicles without deteriorating over the years.

Size and visibility

Choose wheel stoppers which are sufficiently huge and seen to drivers, particularly in dimly lit or crowded parking masses where visibility may be compromised.

Installation requirements

Consider the ease of set up and upkeep whilst choosing wheel stoppers, as well as any particular necessities or policies governing their use to your region.

Maintaining and Replacing Car Wheel Stoppers

To ensure the continued effectiveness of car wheel stoppers, regular inspections should be conducted to check for signs of wear and tear.

Regular inspections

Inspect wheel stoppers periodically for cracks, chips, or other harm which could compromise their integrity. Replace any damaged or deteriorated stoppers right away to preserve safety standards.

Signs of wear and tear

Look for indications of immoderate wear, along with fading shade, deformation, or lack of traction. These signs can also signal the want for replacement or reinforcement to prevent accidents.

Common Misconceptions About Car Wheel Stoppers

Despite their truthful function, there are numerous misconceptions surrounding car wheel stoppers that warrant clarification.

Addressing myths and misunderstandings

Common misconceptions consist of the perception that car wheel stoppers are handiest essential in steep parking plenty or that they may be replaced by using painted strains or curbs. In truth, wheel stoppers serve a unique and irreplaceable role in enhancing safety and stopping accidents.

Future Trends in Car Wheel Stopper Technology

As technology keeps to evolve, so too do the skills of car wheel stoppers. Innovations along with clever sensors, integrated lighting fixtures, and modular designs promise to further improve the effectiveness and efficiency of these crucial safety devices.

Innovations and advancements

Emerging technologies purpose to make wheel stoppers greater versatile, long lasting, and person-pleasant. From sustainable materials to faraway tracking skills, the future of car wheel stoppers holds thrilling opportunities for boosting automobile parking space protection.

Potential impact on safety and functionality

By embracing these improvements, property owners and executives can stay beforehand of the curve and make certain that their parking facilities stay secure and compliant with evolving policies.

Conclusion

To sum up, a critical role is performed by car wheel stoppers in the prevention of accidents and damages in car parks. On the one hand, they enhance security by presenting a visible and physical obstacle to cars; on the other hand, they assist to protect pedestrians and properties while at the same time limiting the possibility of incurring hefty fines. The essence of buying quality wheel stoppers goes beyond just making financial sense; rather, it is an attempt to take care of both drivers and pedestrians’ health.

FAQs

Are car wheel stoppers necessary for every parking lot?

While not mandated for every parking lot, car wheel stoppers are highly recommended for enhancing safety and minimizing the risk of accidents.

Can I install wheel stoppers myself?

While it’s possible to install wheel stoppers independently, professional installation ensures proper alignment and anchoring for maximum effectiveness.

Do wheel stoppers come with warranties?

Many manufacturers offer warranties on their wheel stoppers, providing coverage for defects or premature wear under normal usage conditions.

Are there any regulations regarding the installation of wheel stoppers?

Building codes and safety regulations may dictate the placement, size, and materials used for wheel stoppers in commercial parking facilities.

How long do car wheel stoppers typically last?

The lifespan of wheel stoppers varies depending on factors such as material quality, usage intensity, and environmental conditions. Proper maintenance and timely replacement can extend their longevity significantly.

#car wheel stoppers #parking safety #accident prevention #safety equipment #vehicle protection #pedestrian safety #best car wheel stoppers for commercial parking lots #parking lot safety

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ramsetnz · 2 months ago

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Nail it like a pro with our top-quality nail gun in NZ! Get the job done quickly and efficiently. #NailGunNz. visit: https://ramset.co.nz/product-category/tools-en-nz/gas-technology-systems-en-nz/

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tvwallmount · 8 months ago

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Plasterboard Walls & TV Mounting: Is It Safe in London?

If you're living in London and considering mounting your TV on a plasterboard wall, you might be wondering, is it safe? Plasterboard walls, also known as drywall, can present unique challenges when it comes to mounting heavy objects like TVs. Let's delve into this topic to understand the safety considerations involved.

Understanding Plasterboard Walls

Plasterboard walls are a common feature in many homes and buildings in London. They consist of a layer of gypsum sandwiched between two layers of paper. While they are lightweight and easy to install, they may not have the structural strength of traditional brick or concrete walls.

Factors to Consider

Wall Studs: When mounting a TV on a plasterboard wall, it's crucial to anchor it securely to the wall studs. Wall studs provide the necessary support to hold the weight of the TV and prevent it from falling. Using appropriate hardware, such as heavy-duty wall anchors or toggle bolts, can help distribute the weight evenly and minimize the risk of damage to the wall.

Tip: Use a stud finder to locate the studs behind the plasterboard before mounting your TV.

TV Weight: The weight of your TV plays a significant role in determining the safety of mounting it on a plasterboard wall. Larger, heavier TVs require stronger mounting hardware and may put more stress on the wall.

Tip: Check the manufacturer's specifications for your TV to ensure compatibility with plasterboard walls.

Mounting Technique: Proper mounting technique is essential for ensuring the safety and stability of your TV on a plasterboard wall. Avoid using nails or screws directly into the plasterboard, as they may not provide sufficient support.

Tip: Consider hiring a professional TV mounting service with experience in mounting TVs on plasterboard walls.

Is It Safe?

With the right hardware, techniques, and precautions, mounting a TV on a plasterboard wall can be safe in London. However, it's crucial to take the necessary steps to ensure proper installation and minimize the risk of damage or accidents.

In conclusion, while mounting a TV on a plasterboard wall in London is possible, it requires careful consideration of the factors mentioned above. To ensure the safety and stability of your TV installation, consider consulting a professional TV wall mounting service in London like TV Mount Mate for expert assistance. With their expertise and knowledge, they can help you mount your TV securely and safely on any type of wall. Don't take chances with DIY installations when it comes to your valuable electronics – trust the experts for peace of mind.

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thesinglesjukebox · 10 months ago

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MAGGIE ROGERS - "DON'T FORGET ME"

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In which we manage to not mention Sally Rooney...

[7.36]

Hannah Jocelyn: Maggie Rogers makes the best Kacey Musgraves song we're covering today. The production is weirdly underwhelming, especially compared to Surrender, but if it all sounds a bit bland, the nuts-and-bolts songwriting here is solid. [7]

Julian Axelrod: I've always appreciated Maggie Rogers, despite never being a diehard fan. But every few years she comes out of nowhere and drops a song that knocks me on my ass. "Don't Forget Me" knocked me on my ass. The last song of hers that had this effect on me, 2021's non-album single "Love You for a Long Time," was an ebullient ode to blind devotion that felt like the first peek over the horizon of a long forever. "Don't Forget Me" comes at long-term partnership from the opposite direction. Our narrator watches her friends' relationships stall out over time with a mixture of bafflement and isolation, yet she can't help but yearn for the relative safety of an unreliable companion. "Take my money, wreck my Sundays" sounds like the vows of the worst couple you know, but it's wrapped up in a sweeping hook that would make for an amazing first dance. [8]

Nortey Dowuona: Maggie Rogers is a storyteller. This is her greatest strength. Telling stories is difficult, especially as lyrics; the easy thing is to tell the half-remembered sketches, the poorly thought-out experiments, the overly detailed ears on pancake faces. But telling a complete story is the mark of a great songwriter -- a great writer in general. Maggie lights up your ears when the sound of "I'm still trying to clean up my side of the street slides past you, glittering with the slight glint of frustration at watching Sally find another anchor in the world, no longer there to watch the raccoons dig in the cans on her lawn. Later, she turns the knife with 'She seems happy, but that's not love to me, a reminder that the frustration is beginning to bubble over -- is it worry for Molly, who might be abandoning herself to chase her guy wherever he goes, or the knowledge that she doesn't have someone she could trust that much? It's concrete in its weight yet feathery in its subtlety. Then she gently casts "and maybe I'm dead wrong, maybe I was bitter from the winter all along." She's willing to let go of being frustrated at Sally and Molly finding happiness and willing to try again, trying to recast it as her own bitterness about her thwarted chances of love, willing to thaw out and step forward into the breach. "Take my money, wreck my Sundays, love me till your next somebody, oh, but promise me that when it's time to leave...don't forget me." [10]

Ian Mathers: There's something so compellingly bleak, intended or not, in "Give me something I can handle/A good lover or someone who's nice to me." Or? I've never smoked, but this makes me want to gaze moodily off into the middle distance with a cigarette in my hand. [6]

Jacob Sujin Kuppermann: With every song she makes, Maggie Rogers is very self-consciously attempting to write herself into great-American-songwriterdom. The funny thing is that it works – the more effortful her efforts toward greatness are, the better she is. I wanted to be cynical about "Don't Forget Me," about the rootsy chug of its guitars and the grand sustains of the piano, but with every listen Rogers' writing endeared me to it a little more. Where her earlier work trafficked almost entirely in the vague inspirational register of first-person heartbreak and growth narratives, here she shines her light more outwards, capturing her own social milieu with care and grace – in passing references to green eyes and weddings – and using those observations to self-examine in a mode that feels more honest than anything she's done before. All that autofictional jazz wouldn't be worth much if she didn't also have a handle on songcraft, but she constructs an exceptionally sturdy folk-pop vehicle that initially struck me as rote before I noticed all of the well-wrought details in each individual part. [9]

Jackie Powell: I saw Maggie Rogers perform “Don’t Forgive Me” live this past summer at Forest Hills. I liked the sound. It was quite Carole Kingian. But it’s not until now that I’ve realized that this is her “Yoü and I,” a deeply personal narrative that could become her most critically acclaimed and beloved song. Rogers, like Lady Gaga, writes about the sacrifices that her chosen life presents her with. She contemplates whether the sacrifices she’s made in not living like her friends Sally and Molly are actually worth it. In verse two when she’s discussing Molly’s life circumstances, there’s a line that could easily have been less insulting: “She seems happy, oh, but that's not love to me.” Rogers could have replaced that with something like “She seems happy, oh, but that’s not the life for me,” but opted for something a bit more grating. I wonder why she made that choice. Maybe it’s because she wants to draw a contrast between settling and having low expectations. Rogers said herself that “Don’t Forget Me” is about having low expectations, and there’s a yearning in the hook for those low expectations to amount to something that’s worth remembering. That’s all she wants: relationships with people that live on even if they are over, and that aren’t just bygones. [9]

Katherine St. Asaph: Listening to this, I was reminded of Jess Bergman's excellent piece in The Baffler, "I'm Not Feeling Good at All," about the subgenre (that increasingly feels like just the norm) of books about aimless millennial women who drift through half a lonely life like the protagonist of "Don't Forget Me" does: "She has no friends or resents the one she has. Her boyfriend is distant. Perhaps he’s not even her boyfriend anymore, but still, she thinks of him often. She rarely eats. Absent what you might call drive, her life proceeds by rote.... With this literature of relentless detachment, we seem to have arrived at the inverse of what James Wood famously called 'hysterical realism,' describing a strain of fiction overflowing with eccentric characters and detail that, in its exaggerated vitality, depicts life as 'fervid intensity of connectedness.' What these novels constitute instead is a kind of denuded realism. Rather than an excess of intimacy, there is a lack; rather than overly ornamental character sketches, there are half-finished ones. Personality languishes, and desire has been almost completely erased—except, of course, the desire for nothing. ... However individually stylish or inventive, taken together, the novels tend to replicate the sensations of apathy and tedium they seek to describe." I don't dislike this style of writing nearly as much as others seem to, and I don't even dislike it in music necessarily -- Bergman's first paragraph describes the plot of ABBA's unarguably classic "The Day Before You Came" so well I'm kind of amazed it was written about something else. But "Don't Forget Me" sure does replicate tedium, despite being on the surface a more hopeful narrative. Maybe it wouldn't if the arrangement was as un-smooth as Rogers' voice is. [5]

Joshua Lu: The instrumental is gorgeous, the lyricism is poignant, and the singing is so strained it plows through everything like an excavator through a rainforest. Maggie Rogers has a beautiful voice, and she does not have to fight for her life every time she wants to express an emotion. It makes her sound like she's making music the universe does not want her to create. [4]

Isabel Cole: It’s the hitch in her rich, steady voice on “nice”: “a good lover or someone who’s nice to me.” Such a meagre ask, the lowest of low bars — unless, of course, you’ve had cause to learn not to take it for granted. She sings it like it’s a dream so wild she can hardly bring herself to say it out loud, and it kills me every time. [7]

Alfred Soto: Keeping Nilsson's "Don't Forget Me" (and Neko Case's cover) in the rear mirror, Maggie Rogers writes her own summa. No regret but some pain. The piano and bass lock well enough for Rogers to let her voice crack on the strategically placed syllables. A adult song without arthritis. [8]

Aaron Bergstrom: I've always been clear on what I don't want. I thought navigating adulthood would require more active efforts to suppress jealousy, but it turns out that I spend way more emotional energy on listening to people brag about their lives, maintaining a polite smile while thinking "oh my god this all sounds miserable," then walking away feeling equal parts superior and broken. Why don't I want that? Shouldn't I want that? What do I want? On "Don't Forget Me," Maggie Rogers centers her dislocation on idealized romantic relationships, but that feeling seeps into everything. We all know what the "right" answers are, what we're supposed to want. Setting aside those one-size-fits-all dreams is an important first step, but it's not enough. You have to replace them with something. Maggie knows what she wants: someone who will be nice to her, someone who will remember her fondly even if it doesn't last forever, which it probably won't. That's such an honest self-appraisal. Molly and Sally would probably tell her to dream bigger, but these dreams are hers, and for that reason alone they're better. [8]

[Read, comment and vote on The Singles Jukebox]

#maggie rogers #music #music writing #music reviews #music criticism #the singles jukebox #Youtube

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fluttering-lillies · 10 months ago

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Afterparty Chapter 3: Rainbow

Words: 2,606

Pairing: SunDash

Rating: T

Warnings: Talk of excessive drinking, mentions of sex

The rest of breakfast was stilted, quiet, awkward. Pinkie tried her best, but even her bouncy energy and genuine smile weren't enough to restore the groggy but peaceful mood that had filled the dining room when they were all gathered together.

Sunset’s departure had just made things… weird, and Rainbow Dash was already getting tired of her friends shooting her concerned glances. They were trying to be stealthy about it, but they weren’t doing a very good job. She'd started to feel nauseous and unbalanced when Sunset left, and their misplaced concern was just making it worse. At least her head wasn’t pounding anymore.

“Rainbow I-“ Dash cut Twilight’s worried words off with a nonchalant wave.

“It’s cool, girls. I’m good. I just have some sheets to wash and a bed to make. Plus I’m all full up. It was delicious Pinks, thanks.” She grinned at Pinkie, who beamed back and winked.

Rainbow picked up her plate, but she didn’t get far before Twilight tried again. “Are you sure? Because I had this whole plan on how we could do things super efficiently and-“

Pinkie interrupted this time. “That sounds like a great idea Twilight!”

“Yes, but my plan include-“

“It’ll still work fine, silly! Rainbow does need to clean up the upstairs. I told her to!” She leaned in then and as she was walking out of the dining room, Rainbow just caught the whispered words “time to herself” before she rounded the corner and stared up the stairs. She wasn’t particularly surprised Pinkie had seen through her. They almost certainly all had, save for Twilight. That was good though. She knew it meant they wouldn’t follow her.

Rainbow tried not to stomp as she climbed the stairs, but there were dark anchors of emotion tangled around her, so each step was still as heavy as she could manage with just socks. Her friends were used to her clomping around in heavy combat boots at this point though, so they didn’t complain.

Her attitude was all frustration, with some small sprinkles of confusion and anger mixed in. Sunset didn’t have to want her or anything like that. Rainbow was far from desperate, but couldn’t they have at least talked?

She groaned at the thought as she walked into the master bedroom. It would have been a weird conver-

The scent of Sunset Shimmer was so distinct and powerful that she physically flinched as she stepped closer to the tangled, messy bed. She hadn’t taken it in, or simply noticed. No, the smell had hit her like a wall of force. Memories of the night before came rushing up now that she was in less pain. They were hazy and warm like steam, just as oppressive and muggy too. Sunset close to her, grinding into her, kissing her. Rainbow sunk into remembering, into the warmth, until it became… heat.

Her cheeks burned in sympathy.

She shook it off. She had something to take care of. Since Sunset had so kindly left her all the work.

Rainbow grabbed the blankets and was hit with Sunset's scent again. It rocketed an older memory to the forefront of her mind this time. One that wasn’t muted by celebration and liquor.

Sunset's home. Just outside, on her cracked overgrown driveway. Rainbow leaned against the house, drinking a soda, watching Sunset, who sat on the concrete. She twisted bolts and screws, pulling at cords or nozzles or some other thing Rainbow didn't recognize. She had never really gone in on cars. There were just cooler things to get into. Watching Sunset work was fun though. There was a relaxing rhythm to it, like a heavy bass drum, and now she knew why Sunset always smelled a little bit like engine grease.

She smelled it now. Just a hint, but still definitely there and definitely Sunset.

"Focus, RD." She grumbled the words to herself and quickly gathered the large pile of blankets and sheets into her arms. She couldn't see much past the bedding but stomped out of the room and down the stairs nonetheless. Only when she caught a brief glance of pink hair at the bottom did she stop.

"Oh Dashie! So okay, laundry's this way." A pink hand grasped her arm and pulled her to the left, then spun her around. "Right! Now just go all the way down to the last room. Door's already open."

Rainbow nodded, or tried to against the bundle of blankets. "Thanks Pinks."

She heard a satisfied 'your welcome' sort of sound as she moved again, placing her feet carefully until she met resistance. Rainbow tilted herself to the side until she could see the solid metal washer in front of her, then promptly dropped blankets, sheets, and pillowcases onto the ground. They were dirty anyway, what did she care?

With full sight now, she started on her task, reaching down to grab blankets and stuffing the washer full. There would be at least two loads, but that was fine, she had way more to help out with around the house anyway. Right now she just wanted to get away from the tangled, misty memories that kept bubbling up from obscure parts of her mind. None of them were unpleasant, but really that was the problem. Instead of helping Pinkie, she kept glimpsing into those shards of her recollection and making her present more twisted and confused. Last night was past, and held no answers, but she kept catching on the bedding in her arms anyway.

She balled it all up, threw it inside, and shushed it all with one heavy slam of the washer door. Then she took a breath and checked to make sure she actually knew what she was doing. Pinkie’s unit was similar to the one in her home though, so she set to work on the detergent and fabric softener, humming “Awesome as I Wanna Be” as she went. It was her song; from the lyrics to each instrument’s notes, and it was so ingrained into her head that she found herself coming back to it often. That was fine. It always made her feel better, made her feel more... awesome.

"You wish you could be twenty percent cooler." She half mumbled, half sang the words as she hit the start button on the washer and spun around.

"Woah!" She had already started her momentum out the door, but Fluttershy was there, blocking the exit. She stopped herself in time to not run headlong into her, but Shy still winced, bracing for impact. "You totally snuck up on me. Jeez Shy."

"Sorry." Fluttershy murmured. The response seemed automatic. Given how many times this had happened before, maybe it was.

Fluttershy had a weird thing about not interrupting, and often would hover in the background silently until being noticed. Rainbow usually wasn’t caught off guard by Fluttershy just appearing suddenly in her peripheral, but a bad mood always wound her tight with anxious energy, always made her more… jumpy. She would have to go for a run after this, get her mind off of anything that wasn’t the wind rushing through her hair.

With a deep sigh Rainbow asked, "What's up, Flutters? Need help with something?" She thought it was a good guess, but Fluttershy shook her head.

"I thought... you could use my help actually."

She rolled her eyes. “Oh boy. Here we go.” She had expected this sooner honestly, but still wasn’t pleased to see it come. She didn’t need anyone to throw her a pity party. She was only irritated that Sunset had left the work to her, but Fluttershy would expect mushy emotions like sadness or hurt, and Rainbow just didn’t have that in her.

“I know this isn’t really your forte, but it can help in the long run. Not just you, but Sunset too.”

“Then why aren’t you talking to her?” Rainbow knew that sounded bitchy, and she almost took it back, but Fluttershy just smiled like she’d said something endearing.

“Because I haven’t known her since I was five. Because we didn’t grow up together. Because I know you Dash, and can help you more.” Then she shrugged, like all that should have been obvious.

Maybe it should have been. Rainbow slumped against the washing machine, and crossed her arms. She wasn’t going to talk about her feelings or anything like that, but it was only Fluttershy, not the rest of the girls. So maybe she could ask the one question that had been simmering in the back of her mind since she woke up this morning.

She glanced at Fluttershy, who only smiled and gave her a little encouraging nod.

Rainbow sighed. “What do I do now?”

“What do you mean?”

She unfolded herself and groaned, gesturing to emphasize words and exclamations. “I mean! Like! What do I say to her? Or do I just not say anything? Do I just let it go? Forget about this and never bring it up again or what? Should I… should I ask her out?”

“Well, what do you want to do?”

Dash folded up again and grumbled, “You know that isn’t really helpful. That’s why I’m asking you.”

Fluttershy sighed and stepped toward Dash, putting a hand on her tense shoulders when she reached her. “Dashie… look. I can’t tell you what to do. I can’t decide for you. You know that. I can only help you talk it through. Can we try again? What do you want to do? And really think it through this time, okay?”

Rainbow groaned but Fluttershy’s comforting voice and touch convinced her to at least not shut down the question right away. What did she want, really? Sunset was gorgeous, and had a cool, bad girl sense of style with her spiked leather jacket and the sleek motorcycle she rode around in. She played a mean guitar, she could paint, and do sports, and was even smart like Twilight. Rainbow knew what she liked, what she found hot in a girl: talent, confidence, a penchant for a little bit of recklessness. Sunset had it all. She’d honestly suspected these feelings before last night, but their tryst had crystallized them into something clear and tangible. Rainbow wasn’t going to be coy about them now.

It wasn’t that simple though. “I mean… I… want to kiss her again?”

Fluttershy smiled.

“But…” Rainbow let out a loose breath as she watched the smile drop. She could see the frown on Sunset’s face too. Rainbow could imagine it perfectly.

I’m sorry Dash, but last night was a fluke. I don’t feel the same way.

Then she saw Sunset’s sad eyes, paired with a sympathetic smile.

You’re really nice Dash, but I had my eye on someone else.

Then she saw Sunset looking away, trying not to meet her eyes, blush on her face.

Oh stars. Look, Dash. I don’t…. want that at all. Ugh this is so awkward. Maybe we should just not talk for a couple days? So things can go back to normal.

Every new imagining was worse. She didn’t see any reason Sunset would reject her. She was awesome, amazing, just as cool as Sunset, but there was always a chance… and no matter how slim, Rainbow didn’t want this to be a wall between them. If it wasn’t already. She wanted more, but didn’t want to abandon their current friendship to get it. She was… she groaned… scared of what might happen.

“I want… answers I guess? Why did she run away? Was she scared? Upset? Sad? Angry? Does she hate me now?” The thought struck into her chest, into her stomach, painful and heavy. “She doesn’t, does she?” Her voice sounded small and she hated that it did.

“Oh Dashie. I can’t imagine that’s the case.”

“Then why did she leave?”

Fluttershy wrapped her up then. Rainbow didn’t break down, didn’t start crying, but she did hug her best friend back, gripping tightly. “Have you considered that she’s asking the same questions you are?”

“What do you mean? I‘m still here.”

Fluttershy shook her head. Rainbow didn’t see it, but she could feel it against her shoulder. “Not what I meant. I mean… what if she thought you were scared? Or angry? Or sad? Or ashamed? Or all of that together. She probably got… scared of what you might say, how things might turn out. Just like you are, right?”

“I guess.” She said it miserably, because as much as she disliked being afraid, she hated admitting it even more. Especially to Fluttershy. “But I stayed, even if I was freaking out. She should have too. And talked to me. At least then this would be over with and I wouldn’t feel like shit.” She gripped at her shirt, right over her stomach, where she could feel the fear roiling.

Fluttershy pulled back from the hug, keeping her hands on Rainbow’s shoulders. She was smiling. It was a smile that Twilight usually gave her. The smile that said she’d misunderstood something. Rainbow scowled back.

“Sorry.” Fluttershy chuckled. “It’s just. Remember freshman year? When Gilda came over from Cloudsdale and introduced herself to us. She was planning on transferring and you spent like every day after school with her for a full two weeks.”

Rainbow’s frown just got deeper. “I remember her being a total ass and treating Pinks all awful, yeah. I remember nearly chasing her all the way back to Cloudsdale too.”

“Right, but you didn’t see it at first. And afterwards you were totally convinced Pinkie was super mad at you even when she kept saying she wasn’t. You’d only met about six months before, at the start of high school so it made sense you weren’t really that confident in your friendship with her yet.”

Rainbow lifted a brow. “As much as I appreciate the blast from the past. I really don’t see how it matters now. I’m not mad at Sunset and she didn’t even stay long enough to ask me if I was.”

Fluttershy rolled her eyes. “Sunset’s only been ‘doing’ friendship for a little over a year. You didn’t leave because you’ve gone through stuff like this before. Gilda and Pinkie fighting, that competitive iron woman challenge with AJ, even Sunset splitting us up. Sunset doesn’t really have a lot of friendship experience, and well…” Fluttershy looked around, then leaned in and whispered. “Don’t tell her or anyone else I said this, but I think her knee jerk response a lot of the time is to run away.”

Given how she’d ended up in their world, Rainbow couldn’t exactly argue that. “So… what? Fight or flight and she chose flight?”

“I could be wrong I guess, but honestly I think if she hadn’t needed to eat, she would have left earlier. She masks it well, but I could tell she was… tense.”

They sat there, not speaking for a little bit. The sound of the washing machine kept going in its regular ka-chunk, ka-chunk, ka-chunk. Rainbow pulled away from Fluttershy’s grip and reclined back against the machine. Then she leaned back further, bending her back until her shoulder blades rested upon cool metal. She groaned. “So what the fuck now? Do I go chasing after her all dramatic like?”

Fluttershy snickered, shook her head, and pulled her phone from her pocket. “Or… you could just call her?”

Rainbow sighed, patting at her pockets. She frowned, double checked, then made a sound that was part hopeless moan, part irate growl. No phone anywhere on her person. Of course she’d lost it during the party

“I’ll call it…” Fluttershy said, and started dialing.

#mlp:fim #my little pony #mlp #sundash #sunsetdash #my fanfiction

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